Graduate School CRNA with a kid

HealthyRN · Jun 6, 2008

You may get more advice if you post in the pre-CRNA forum. To apply to CRNA programs, you need at least one year of critical care experience and that is the absolute minimum. Many that I have spoken to recommend at least a few years of experience and generally, the more, the better. I am not in a CRNA program, but I do know that they are very rigorous. All programs that I know of do not allow students to work at all. SRNAs put in a lot of clinical hours and the schooling can be quite stressful. Most programs are 24-28 months long. Of course people have completed CRNA programs with children, but I'm certain that it's not easy. You would probably need a very supportive spouse.

carachel2 · Jun 7, 2008

I have a friend who did a CRNA program and had two small children at home. She did not work. I asked her how it was going when she was about halfway through. A tear rolled down her cheek and she said "I forgot that kids are a gift from God." She said she never saw her kids. CRNA school is a full time job plus about another 30 hours a week according to her.

That was all I needed to know that the NP program was right for me. Most will allow you to go part time and at least have some semblance of a life.

ricknick92 · Jun 7, 2008

Although I did not do a CRNA, I did go for my CNS while working full time and having 2 children. I went part time and it took me almost 5 years, but it is possible.

XIGRIS · Jun 10, 2008

Hi everybody, I have a couple questions. I started a BSN program a couple years ago, then moved out of state and I'm going back next year. It will take me prob 3 years to finish it. I am married, with one daughter, my husband and I have agreed I will be going to school full time , not working so it'll make things a littler easier to finish my BSN.
My question is the following, I would like to attend Graduate school soon after I graduate from my BSN program, prob a year after. Is that feasible having a kid?
Did any of you work while getting your Masters ( CRNA) or is it impossible to do both? How long did it take you or is it taking you to become a CRNA? Any advice would be greatly appreciated ! Thank you so much!

During the orientation day ( usually a week before you start school or in my case, the first day of school ), husbands, wives and family members have their separate orientation ( thats the cas ein myschool ). They are told of how rigorous the program is. And they are advised if they want the student to succed, they must 100% support them. All my classmats who had children admit that they rarely see their kids while in school. Sometimes, as a freidn puts it " I forgot I have kids." You must be ready for this. Your spouse must be willing to sacrifice also. It can be done. You can finish CRNA school with kids Just be willing to sacrifice not seeing your kids at some point.

Jo Dirt · Jun 13, 2008

I have a friend who did a CRNA program and had two small children at home. She did not work. I asked her how it was going when she was about halfway through. A tear rolled down her cheek and she said "I forgot that kids are a gift from God." She said she never saw her kids. CRNA school is a full time job plus about another 30 hours a week according to her.
That was all I needed to know that the NP program was right for me. Most will allow you to go part time and at least have some semblance of a life.

That has about made the decision for me. I'm looking to advance my career and all paths keep leading back to the NP route. I have four children and still have regrets for all the time school took from me.

If I had to live in the projects and drive a Yugo I'd choose my children over advancing my career. I hope it doesn't mean that, though.